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Pre-
Installation
Inspection
Environmental
Conditions
Cutting
Instructions
Prior to
Installation
Panels should be inspected upon receipt. Nudo Products, Inc. inspects composite
panels for physical and cosmetic abnormalities prior to shipment; however it is the
installer’s responsibility to fully inspect all panels for defects prior to installation. If the
panels are not acceptable, please contact Nudo Products, Inc. Customer Service
immediately. DO NOT INSTALL QUESTIONABLE PANELS! Nudo Corporation will
NOT be responsible for installation or removal cost of unacceptable panels.
Remove shipping packaging and banding material immediately upon delivery to the job,
as it can affect the acclimation of the panels. All Utilite panels should be stored indoors
on a solid, flat, dry surface. Do not stand panels on edge or stack on fresh concrete
floor or any other surface that emits moisture. Lay panels flat with proper support
on the ends of panels. Optimum storage conditions are 60°F (16°C) to 75°F (24°C)
and 35% to 55% relative humidity.
Temperature is always a factor when working with composite vinyl materials. In warm
temperature conditions, above 70°F (21°C) cool panels to a minimum of 60°F (16°C)
overnight. In cold temperature conditions, below 40°F (4°C) warm panels to a
minimum of 60°F (16°C) overnight. When installation conditions of under 60°F (16°)
is unavoidable, insert penny between panels. When below 32°F (0°C), insert a nickel
between panels to allow spacing for expansion in hot weather. Use a silicone and
adhesive recommended for low temperatures, following the manufacturer’s application
guidelines. Check with the local building codes for specific requirements. Do NOT use
Utilite panels in high temperature conditions; PVC has a heat distortion threshold in
temperatures exceeding 120° F (55°C). Please discuss with your HVAC contractor prior
to installation. Ceiling fans and blowers may need to be installed, along with shielded
Tube Radiant Heaters with a maintained clearance of 24" to distribute heat uniformly
throughout facility. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight MAY CAUSE the panels
to fade and/or rapid expansion. Use extreme caution when installing panels in these
types of environments. Nudo will not warranty any panels distorted because of
excessive heat exposure due to improper installation and operation of heaters and
furnaces in areas where Utilite has been installed.
Always use proper personal protection equipment when cutting Utilite panels. Read
and follow manufacturer's guidelines for use of cutting tools.
Panels can be cut using a power miter saw with fine tooth blade, utility knife with guiding
straight edge (cutting panel 5-7 times to score and cut through panel), and table saw
with fine tooth carbide blade. DO NOT RUSH. CUT THROUGH PANELS SLOW AND
STEADY. A test cut is always recommended to see performance of cutting tool with
Utilite panels.
Installation should NOT begin until building is enclosed (windows and doors
installed); permanent heating and cooling equipment is in operation, and residual
moisture from plaster, concrete, etc. is dissipated. Prior to installation, the installer must
determine that the environmental conditions meet or exceed all requirements
specified in the installation guidelines. CEILINGS SHOULD BE INSTALLED PRIOR
TO WALLS. Before installing remove packaging materials. Allow the panels to
acclimate to the room temperature and humidity for 48 hours before installing.
Acclimation temperature range should be 60° to 75°F (16°C to 24°) and relative
humidity should be 35% to 55%. Maximum temperature exposure during installation
32°-120°. Ideally, the room temperature and humidity during acclimation and
installation should be the same as the final operation conditions. DO NOT install
panels tight when cold (below 60°); panels will expand in warmer temperatures (above
70°). Allow room for expansion and contraction between each panel.